Job Summary
We are pleased to be able to offer an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join our friendly and dynamic team to develop their career as a Sonographer. The successful applicant will undertake a CASE accredited Post Graduate Certificate in Obstetrics and early pregnancy Ultrasound through a well-structured and full-time training programme that consists of a blend of academic study days at the university and clinical placement within the Whipps Cross Hospital obstetric ultrasound department and NEL Ultrasound Training Academy (hosted at Whipps Cross Hospital).
The Obstetric Ultrasound department is based in Maternity Department on the ground floor and currently running a 6-day service per week. You will be supported within the ultrasound department by experienced and supportive sonographers.
Upon successful completion of the Post Graduate qualification and an agreed set of link grade competencies, you will move into a Band 7 Sonographer post at the Trust however you will be required to attain these within the necessary timeframe (9 or 12-months depending on the academic programme being undertaken). As a newly qualified Sonographer you will be supported through a preceptorship programme, following which you will work autonomously within your scope of practice and be expected to participate in the delivery of a high-quality ultrasound service.
A short term local recruitment and retention premium of £5,000 RRP (pro-rata) applies to this post
Main duties of the job
To undertake and successfully complete a CASE accredited Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Obstetric Ultrasound and an agreed set of link grade competencies within the required timeframe (for progression into Band 7 Sonographer post). This will be achieved through block or day release academic study, self-directed study and clinical placement within the Maternity ultrasound department and EGU.
The postholder will perform, under the supervision of a qualified Sonographer, a range of ultrasound examinations in line with nationally established guidelines and quality standards of practice and local departmental protocols. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and contributing to a safe, high quality and efficient ultrasound service that provides high professional standard of care ensuring that the appropriate imaging, reporting and management of the patient is provided when and where necessary. The postholder will also promote patient-centered care and uphold the Trusts’ values, communicating effectively with patients, relatives, carers and other healthcare professionals always.
Subject to funding, trainees are expected to rotate through the NEL Ultrasound Training Academy, based at Whipps Cross Hospital, and are part of their clinical placement. They will liaise closely with their line manager, supervisor and the NEL Sonography Practice Educators to ensure that their academic targets are met and are linked with clinical progress to ensure timely qualifications.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Midwife with relevant preceptorship experience.
- Statutory registration with a regulatory body NMC
Desirable
- Completion of a preceptorship programme or equivalent, with evidence of working in a variety of settings
Experience
Essential
- Experience in caring for high-risk service users
- Excellent organisational skills
- Able to prioritise and meet deadlines
- Able to use your own initiative
- Able to manage sensitive or difficult situations effectively
- Evidence of multi-disciplinary /multi-agency working
Desirable
- Experience of challenging conversations / delivering difficult news to patients, carers and relatives.
- Supervisory / teaching experience.
- Participation in research and audit.
Knowledge
Essential
- Level 7 ILTES or above must be evidenced if English is not first/native language.
- Understanding of the ultrasound training programme and awareness of diagnostic ultrasound in a healthcare setting.
- Understanding of clinical governance.
- Able to recognise own strengths and limitations, seeking assistance when required.
- An ability to demonstrate on-going commitment to learning and development
- Understanding of team working and recognises own role as part of an effective team.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Understanding of physiology and complexities in pregnancy.
Desirable
- Awareness of local and national policy concerning patient care and professional issues.
Skills
Essential
- High level of interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
- Competent ICT skills.
- Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively at all levels across the multi-disciplinary team.
- Able to deal with conflict and difficult situations.
- Use of sound judgement and critical reasoning to make decisions and solve problems / queries.
- Ability to work under pressure and be adaptable to change
- Engage with others (including staff, patients, carers and relatives) in a considerate and compassionate manner.
- Able to organise, prioritise and delegate.
- Use resources efficiently and cost effectively
Desirable
- Presentation skills.
- Teaching / Supervisor skills
Other
Essential
- Sufficient ability to perform duties of the post with any aids and adaptations
- Must demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s values and lead by example, promoting the highest standards of professional and personal conduct and integrity.
- Shows enthusiasm and a commitment to developing self and the improvement of others.
- Commitment to developing a culture of openness and psychological safety
- Flexible approach to working and be able to participate in extended working hours and/or 7 day working pattern
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 01 July 2025
